How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, a scientific term better known as razor bumps, are those horrible scars that appear in the beard areas on the faces of many men. While they can difficult to eliminate, it is not impossible. This article explains how.

The Cause

After a hair has been shaved, it begins to grow back. Curly hair tends to curl into the skin instead of straight out the follicle, leading to an inflammation reaction. This can make the skin look purple and red, and in some cases, it can even look like pimples. These inflamed papules or pustules can form especially if the area becomes infected.

This is especially problematic for black men who have naturally beautiful ,coarse, or tightly curling, thick hair. Curly hair increases the likelihood of razor bumps by a factor of 50!

Two types of ingrown hairs

There are two types of ingrown hairs transfollicular and extrafollicular.

The extrafollicular hair is a hair that has exited the follicle and reentered the skin.

Extrafollicular Ingrown Hairs

The transfollicular hair never exits the follicle, but because of its naturally curly nature curls back into the follicle causing fluid build-up and irritation.

Transfollicular Ingrown Hairs

Genetic Factors

There is even a gene that has been linked to razor bumps. There is evidence that those with a keratin gene mutation are more likely to have ingrown hairs. This is because the gene structurally weakens the hair shaft making it more likely the beard will ingrown.

Keloid Scaring

Man with keloid scarring in the beard area

If left untreated over time, razor bumps can turn into keloid or raised scarring in the beard area. This especially happens if the razor bumps become infected. A keloid scar is a result of an overgrowth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloid scars are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to the color of the person’s skin or red to dark brown in color. A keloid scar is benign (non cancerous) and not contagious, but sometimes accompanied by severe itchiness, pain, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin. Keloid scars are seen 15 times more frequently in black people than whites.

The Solutions

Grow a beard

The easiest solution is for Black men to simply grow a beard. Besides being more natural is prevents any of the aforementioned problems with razor bumps and ingrown hairs. If you do grow a beard please take care of it gracefully. Some dudes get lazy and think because they grow a beard that they don’t have to do anything.

What you need if you decide to grow a beard:

A good beard trimming kit. You can get one from amazon for between 15-30 bucks.

Next you’ll need some beard oil and/or leave in conditioner. This is so you beard stays soft.

Finally you’ll need a beard comb. This is important as you don’t want debris stuck in your beard. Eww!

If you’ve got grey strands you can get Blackbeard FormulaX beard coloring

Bump Fighter Razors and Tendskin

Many men don’t want a beard. To them it looks too masculine and detracts from the pretty-boy look they are going for. If that’s you no problem just shave with bump fighter razors. These razors are designed specifically for black men. They work because the blade never actually touches the skin. Users still, however, report a clean shave. A box of 48 can last over a year.

Next, you can use TendSkin. This is the best aftershave to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps on the market. Aftershave is really the wrong word since you need to apply it for a few days after you’ve shaved. It works by using Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) as its active ingredient. The ASA unblocks pores and soothes skin. It then uses Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, and Diglycerin. These chemicals help deliver the ASA and give a soothing feel good sensation to the skin. Yes it really works.

Before and After TendSkin

Whatever you do please don’t use those cheap throw-away razors. They will slice your face up and you will regret having ever used them. There are many solutions to razor bumps. You don’t have to just accept them! If you do these things chances are good you reduce or even eliminate your razor bumps forever.